An affordable AV receiver is always a good option to consider, so Sony STR-DH790 vs Denon AVR-S650H comparison definitely makes sense.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Sony STR-DH790 has 7.2 versus 5.2 for Denon AVR-S650H. Regarding power, then STR-DH790 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 90/6 when AVR-S650H has a power of 75/8, 100/6. The THD is 0.09% for the STR-DH790 but 0.08% for the AVR-S650H.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for STR-DH790 and AKM 192 KHz/32-bit for the AVR-S650H. Only the STR-DH790 supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
Only the Denon AVR-S650H can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. Only the AVR-S650H supports Spotify.
Both AV receivers support HDR10 technology (High dynamic range). Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz signal when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. Both competitors are not able to scale the HDMI signal. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.
The Sony STR-DH790 has 4/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 5/1 HDMI connectors of the Denon AVR-S650H. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. HDMI eARC is available in each model. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. The STR-DH790 supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.2, versus HDCP 2.3 in the AVR-S650H. The AVR-S650H has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-S650H. Both STR-DH790 and AVR-S650H can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Only the STR-DH790 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the STR-DH790.